Banff National Park, Canada
Banff National Park is one of Canada’s oldest national parks. It was established as a park in 1885 and spans 6,641 square kilometers of land in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. It’s home to many unique and spectacular landscapes and is an ideal destination for families and nature lovers.
Plain of Six Glaciers Hike
The Plain of Six Glaciers hike is one of the most spectacular hikes in Banff National Park. You’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and pristine lakes. The hike is an out-and-back, but you can extend your hiking experience by taking the Lake Agnes trail, which offers beautiful tree-covered trails and two more pristine lakes.
After the hike, stop by the tea house for coffee, tea, scones, and a variety of soups. If you’re lucky, you can witness an avalanche. Avalanches occur frequently in the spring and early summer, and are preceded by a thunderous sound and a dust cloud of snow.
The first section of the Plain of Six Glaciers trail begins behind the Chateau Lake Louise. The trail follows Lake Louise and ascends steadily. At four kilometers, the trail starts to wind upwards. At about five kilometers, it becomes steeper, requiring a series of switchbacks to climb.
As this hike is located in bear country, it’s important to remember that bears are present. Be sure to wear bear spray and stay alert to avoid them. This spray can be purchased at outdoor shops around the Canadian Rockies, and is worth the money. Hiking on the Plain of Six Glaciers trail is a popular attraction near Lake Louise.
It’s a great way to see the ice giants carving the Canadian Rockies. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Lake Louise, as well as a beautiful sitting area. The Plain of Six Glaciers trail in Banff National Park, Canada is an easy hike with good signage. The hike starts at Lake Louise and winds upward through a natural mountain amphitheater.
From there, you can see the spectacular mountain peaks and turquoise waters of the lake. You can also see the abbot Pass hut, which was built by Swiss guides in the early 20th century for Canadian mountaineers. Named after the Canadian Alpine Association member who died while climbing Mount Lefroy, the hut is an important piece of Canadian mountaineering history.
Johnston Canyon Hike
If you’re looking for a hike in Banff National Park that’s not too difficult, the Johnston Canyon trail is the perfect option. This easy trail winds its way through the canyon walls to the Upper Falls. The trail is quite popular and accessible to hikers of all abilities.
The hike starts out going downhill and becomes steeper as you get closer to the water. A steep section of the trail includes rock scrambling down into a cave. If it has rained recently, this part of the hike may become very slippery. It’s also a popular location for Instagram photos.
The Johnston Canyon hike is one of the most popular hiking trails in the park. It’s suitable for everyone, including kids, and is open all year round. However, it’s best to arrive early on weekends or early in the morning to avoid crowds.
It’s important to note that the trail does become popular during peak summer months, so it’s best to visit during other seasons. If you’re going to do this hike alone, you can hire snowshoes from a local store. This will help you keep your feet warm and dry. You’ll also be provided with an ice cleat.
There are many snowshoe rental companies in the area. The Johnston Canyon is the breeding ground of the endangered Black Swift bird. To protect the habitat of this bird, hikers should avoid the canyon between April and November. Parks Canada has strict regulations for this and fines for violating them can reach $25,000.
The park is also home to a number of black swifts. Located just one hour and 40 minutes outside of Calgary, the Johnston Canyon hike is an incredible way to experience the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. The trail winds through limestone cliffs, and you’ll be surrounded by waterfalls and pools of water. As you walk along the canyon, you’ll see waterfalls, tunnels, and limestone rocks.